June is Black Music Month, and Charlotte isn’t missing a beat!
Last weekend I attended the 2nd Annual Queen City Jazz Fest, featuring Gerald Albright, Lalah Hathaway, and the ever-so-magnetic Brian Culbertson. From the smooth sounds of Albright’s lets toast it up “Champagne Life” to Hathaway’s sultry version of Anita Baker’s “You’re My Angel,” the show was simply magical, and the weather was picture perfect. Although I was apprehensive about the second annual festival being as good as the first, I was thrilled to have been proven wrong. If you were in attendance, you probably can appreciate my sentiments. If you were not present, slap yourself twice! Grown folks had a ball. I’m already giddy like a schoolgirl and clearing my calendar for June 2017.
The Nu Jazz Society Band? Yep, I never heard of them either, but they set it off Wednesday evening at Sydney’s Martini and Wine Bar. Out of the Winston-Salem area, guitarist Vincent Crenshaw and saxophonist Clyde Cumberlander Jr. and the lovely vocalist Nishah Di Meo (this sister can surely sing) pushed the petal to the metal and blew us away. This was the band’s first time appearing together. Remember their name because this band will definitely be in hot demand. I think I’m already becoming a groupie!
Now for my weekend picks. I hope to see you on the town.
FRIDAY
The Shattered Mind ~ Award-winning African-American deaf filmmaker Jade Bryan is in town to promote her film “The Shattered Mind.” A young woman suffers nightmares and flashbacks from her traumatic past. Every family has its secrets, and this family is no different. The screening has limited seats, so don’t miss out. University Hilton’s Lakeshore Ballroom (8629 J.M. Keynes Dr.) Tickets $12. Showtime 7 p.m. More info.
SATURDAY
Freedom Summer Series ~ Jazz in Freedom Park kicks off this weekend with guitarist Mark Mashak. Host for the evening is Jazz Diva Tammy Greene. Opening for the show is the well-known local group The Groove Masters. Definitely going to be a party in the park, and the cost is free. Bring your blankets, lawn chairs and coolers; no alcohol is permitted. Food and non-alcoholic beverages are available for purchase. Freedom Park (1900 East Blvd), 6 p.m. – 9 p.m. More info.
SUNDAY
Charlotte Pizza Tour ~ Passionate about your pizza? Well, I am. This weekend, visit three pizza locations and enjoy nine different pizza types. Jump on the shuttle bus and have fun along the way. You’ll also get the story from each establishment and the details about what sets them apart. Limited tickets are available, so don’t miss Charlotte’s first and only pizza tour. June 24 – 26. Tickets available at www.CharlottePizzaReview.com.
We’ve made our events page and listings even better. To see a larger listing of local events, go to www.qcity2021.flywheelstaging.com/events.
Toni Baker-Tyson is a social butterfly. Her entertainment picks are published each Thursday on Qcitymetro.com. Email Toni at toni@qcity2021.flywheelstaging.com, or join her Chocolate Social Network, a group for the mature (40-plus) but young at heart.
